Bulloch County Fire Services announces significant improvements in ISO Public Protection Classification

Bulloch County officials are proud to announce a major milestone in public safety as the Insurance Services Office (ISO) has officially upgraded the county’s Public Protection Classification (PPC). Effective September 1, 2026, the county will move to a Class 04/10 rating, a significant improvement from previous assessments.

“This improved rating is a testament to the strategic priority our Board of Commissioners and staff have placed on enhancing public safety infrastructure. By consolidating our fire service districts and investing in modern equipment and personnel, we have created a more robust and efficient emergency response system,” County Manager Chris Eldridge stated.

This flat Class 4 rating is the direct result of strategic investments in fire suppression infrastructure and the county’s successful initiative to resume fire protection responsibilities for the 5-mile district previously serviced by the city. By consolidating these services, Bulloch County has enhanced operational efficiency and response capabilities across the region.

Key Improvements in Public Safety

The ISO’s comprehensive evaluation, which utilizes the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), highlighted several areas of excellence in the county’s delivery system:

• Expanded Infrastructure: The county currently maintains sixteen engine companies and one ladder company in active service to meet growing community needs.
• Modern Communications: The Bulloch County emergency dispatch center earned high marks (9.36 out of 10 points) for its advanced capabilities, including Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) for wireless and VoIP, as well as integrated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Rigorous Training & Staffing: The Fire Department was credited for its commitment to personnel training and operational considerations, ensuring that responders are equipped with the skills necessary for effective fire suppression.
• Enhanced Water Supply: Significant upgrades to the water supply system and hauled water tanker shuttle system to include improved hydrant inspection and flow testing, contributed a substantial 25.92 points to the overall score.

“Beyond the immediate improvements to public safety, we are pleased that our residents will now see the practical benefits of these investments through improved insurance classifications for their homes,” Eldridge noted. “This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the resources dedicated to our fire services translate into high-quality protection and long-term value for every homeowner in Bulloch County.”

Estimated Insurance Savings for Residents

The improved rating for properties within five road miles of a fire station is expected to provide tangible financial benefits to Bulloch County residents. This new flat ISO 4 rating will take effect on September 1, 2026. When the lower ISO rating goes into effect, approximately 20,000 Bulloch County homes will benefit from this new rating.

While individual insurance premiums are determined independently by each provider, a better ISO grade typically leads to lower costs for homeowners and commercial property insurance. On average, homeowners in areas seeing a significant improvement in their ISO classification -such as a shift from a higher class to Class 4- may see a reduction in their annual premiums. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance agents after the September 1 effective date to determine their specific savings.